2017 NFL Draft: Auburn Carl Lawson Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Auburn’s Carl Lawson is quickly establishing himself as one of the top pass-rushers in the 2017 NFL Draft class.
Carl Lawson is a known commodity who nearly entered the 2016 NFL Draft. However, his decision to return to school is really paying off. It has allowed him to develop and show what type of difference maker he can be when healthy.
He excels at generating pressure off the edge. Lawson’s best attribute is his suddenness and lateral quickness. He just makes very hard for offensive linemen to mirror his movements.
Lawson also features that top-end quickness off the ball that gives him a step on the blocker. He can reach the edge, flatten out and close on the quarterback. His ability to remain balanced as he attacks helps him utilized a few different rush moves.
It also helps him dip his shoulder and get underneath the block.
He has shown the balance needed to employ an effective spin move. Lawson doesn’t use this too often which is a good thing because it helps him catch the blocker by surprise. However, there are a few areas where he needs to improve.
Lawson needs to do a better overall job using his hands. He’d greatly benefit from gaining inside placement which will help him keep clean and work a power rush. A bull rush is something that will take his game to the next level.
He has flashed the natural strength and heavy hands needed to push the pocket. This power also speaks to his ability to hold up against the run.
Lawson’s run stuffing skills need improvement, but it doesn’t have to do with talent. He needs to avoid getting up field and play the run with more integrity. Too often, he focuses on rushing the quarterback which opens big running lanes.
This is something that will improve with better coaching and more experience. As he learns to read his keys he’ll make strides in this area.
Current Draft Status: Top 15